The 2023 UN World Data Forum is underway
Here is what you need to know after the first two days
The fourth United Nations World Data Forum commenced on April 24th and will continue until April 27th in Hangzhou, China, with a blend of online and offline activities. This event gathers experts from national statistical offices, the private sector, civil society, scientific and academic communities, and international organizations under the theme “Towards Data That Empowers Our World”. The forum aims to advance data innovation, foster partnerships, and mobilize high-level political and financial support for improved data for sustainable development.
If you are looking for more general information about the UNWDF, be sure to check out our overview article:
Table of Contents
Specific Highlights of Topics Discussed
- Addressing the issue of statelessness and data inclusion
- Rebuilding trust in governance systems through better data
- Digital innovation and national data ecosystems
- Advancing data use, uptake, and impact
- Innovative approaches to tackling data and statistics issues
- Maximizing the potential of data
- Addressing urgent data needs for implementing the 2030 Agenda
- Private sector engagement
- Care Economy Indicators project
- Innovative approaches and collaborations
Registration
If you want to follow along with the event in real time, you will want to follow this process:
- Sign up for the Online Event Platform to watch live sessions
- Register for the event on Whova to interact with participants and watch replays of sessions
- Login to the Whova Event (creating a user if necessary)
General Topics of Discussion
After the first full day of sessions, some overarching themes from the forum are starting to emerge. Significant topics discussed include: addressing data gaps in vulnerable populations, forging partnerships to develop more responsible data governance, exploring innovative data practices, and building evidence to restore trust in governance systems. The 2023 UN World Data Forum sessions address a wide range of issues that span from health, education, climate, natural resources, gender, human rights, and refugees.
Specific Highlights of Topics Discussed
Addressing the issue of statelessness and data inclusion
Sessions highlighted the issue of statelessness, with Monika Sandvik, Chief of Statelessness Section at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), stressing the need for an international statistical definition to improve data and stating that statelessness is solvable . Furthermore, the forum featured discussions on data innovation, geospatial data, and health data governance. The development of an internationally recognized statistical framework on statelessness, called the IROSS, was mentioned by Natalia Baal from EGRISStats.
The forum also explored data inclusivity, with the Disabled People’s Data Initiative emphasizing the importance of inclusive data partnerships and recognizing organization of persons with disabilities-led citizen-generated data efforts.
Rebuilding trust in governance systems through better data
The role of data in rebuilding trust in governance systems was discussed, touching on the importance of better data for supporting transparency, accountability, and driving sustainable development. Collaborative efforts and citizen-generated data for inclusive data ecosystems were also highlighted as key opportunities for improvement.
Digital innovation and national data ecosystems
Digital innovation and national data ecosystems were explored by industry leaders such as Dr. Hatwib Mugasa from NITAUganda. Moreover, Macdonald G. Obudho, Director General of @KNBStats, shared the organization’s data dissemination policy, which aligns with Kenya’s bill of rights.
Advancing data use, uptake, and impact
The UN Data Forum continued with discussions on advancing data use, uptake, and impact. Data leaders emphasized the crucial role data plays in sustainable development, government policies, and responsible policymaking. Part of this discussion was the launch of a new Data to Policy Navigator by GIZ and UNDP, promoting data-informed policymaking through a comprehensive framework. Other sessions focused on closing data gaps, inclusive data, utilizing the power of data to achieve the SDGs, and fostering collaboration through data partners committed to sustainability.
Innovative approaches to tackling data and statistics issues
Several sessions at the forum highlight innovative approaches to tackle pressing data and statistics issues. Among them are “New Developments in Governance of Cross-Border Data Flows: Data Strategies and Trade Negotiations,” which emphasizes the need for a consensus in governance approaches; “Toward Better Collection and Analysis of Data in Healthcare Applications,” which calls for causal inference methods and adaptive data collecting methods; and “Strengthening Violence against Women Data and Measurement for Evidence-Based Policies,” in which the panel discussed organizations like UN Women and the World Health Organization enhancing statistical data on violence against women.
Maximizing the potential of data
Furthermore, the forum emphasizes maximizing the potential of data through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Sessions touch upon the areas of digital health data, judicial data, citizen-generated data, open data, and cross-sectoral partnerships. By fostering better governance, global frameworks, and efficient exchange of information, the forum looks forward to creating a more sustainable and equitable world driven by data-informed decisions.
Addressing urgent data needs for implementing the 2030 Agenda
One vital discussion revolves around the need for accurate, inclusive, and timely data for decision-making, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data-driven approaches are necessary to respond to urgent data needs for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development effectively. The Data For Now initiative is an example of a partnership between national statistical offices, civil society, academia, and the private sector that aims to develop countries’ capacities to use different sources of data while applying advanced methodologies to produce informative data.
Private sector engagement
The private sector’s role in contributing to public policy objectives and SDG implementation is another central topic. Discussions reveal a crucial gap in the documentation and understanding of how private sector data aids in strategic decision-making related to development. The necessity for private sector participation is critical in developing countries where the statistical infrastructure is less developed, and institutions have low capacity.
Care Economy Indicators project
One particular initiative discussed is the Care Economy Indicators project by Open Data Watch, which focuses on empowering gender equality by understanding the burden of care duties on female labor force participation. In collaboration with the City of Buenos Aires and the Open Data Charter, the project developed a Care Indicators System to provide the evidence needed for better policymaking and informed debate on care services provision, the gender distribution of care tasks, and gaps in information.
Innovative approaches and collaborations
The forum has highlighted innovative approaches to tackle pressing data and statistics issues. So far sessions have addressed governance of cross-border data flows, collection and analysis of data in healthcare applications, and strengthening data on violence against women. Furthermore, the forum emphasizes maximizing the potential of data through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Sessions touch upon the areas of digital health data, judicial data, citizen-generated data, open data, and cross-sectoral partnerships.
Watch Full Sessions
The following sessions from the 2023 UNWDF are available for viewing as of the publication of this article:
- UNWDF 2023: Press conference
- (TA1.20) A New Tomorrow for Population and Housing Censuses
- (TA2.11) Demonstrating the Power of Private Sector Data for Sustainable Development
- (TA1.16) Innovative ways for increasing timeliness and coverage of SDG indicators
- (TA3.33) Maximising the public value of health data whilst protecting individual rights
- (TA4.37) Together we can do more: citizen-generated data for inclusive data ecosystems
Conclusion
As the 2023 UN World Data Forum progresses, it highlights the importance of partnerships, innovative methods, and inclusive approaches in advancing data and statistics for tracking SDGs and addressing urgent global issues. By exploring innovative approaches, best practices, case studies, and emerging trends, the forum aims to keep data at the center of decision-making, policy development, and progress towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.
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